Reviews
(3)

Reviews From Guests

We enjoyed our stay with our hosts Nicki and Mike. The location of the house in the middle of the town was great, but it was tucked away from the main road, you didn't even know it was there. If you wanted to walk out to the shops or for a meal and a drink it was great. Our bedroom was a good size, and were were told as soon as we got there, to make ourselves at home, our hosts were very relaxed and easy going. We were lucky enough to be able to join Mike on his boat for a days fishing, which was very enjoyable, the best bit for me was seeing the dolphins up close and natural. Best bit for my husband was when he was able to eat his catch at the end of the day. ( Not dolphin by the way ) Awesome day.

Due to our meanders en route to the winterless Far North,further enhanced by devine weather,we descended on Nicki & Mike's lovely woody Lockwood home well after dark. Host emails & cellular contact had been first rate,so the late hour was tolerable,and our family group (of 4 adults) were greated by a super warm home and extremely helpful hosts.
With Kerikeri's brand new supermarket RIGHT over the road from MIke & Nicki's secluded (rear section) place, a gourmet meal was a breeze to rustle up- Mike provided the yummy fish (trevally- garnished with citrus slices from their extensive orchard) & we almost everything else. Our family style involves near taking over a host's kitchen (while they put their feet up),and a most enjoyable feast soon followed- we probably popped over the road at least 3 times for more wine!
Thanks to their blazing fire and great insulation the house remained so warm over night, that it still felt summery at dawn. With that for a great start the chance of a day out fishing in the glorious Bay of Islands harbour was too good to resist. This became the highlight of our long weekend away, with such warm,calm & sunny conditions that the girls took to top deck sunbathing. Yes- it was mid winter !
Be warned however- Mike's local knowledge & hi tech boat is almost too good for the fish, and by day's end we were throwing them back under "catch & release".
Sorry we'd only time for a single night, but we'll be back-with a pool table shootout to complete for starters! Stan, Carol, Emily & Thomas SWAN ( Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch based)